Choose an Option
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free phone counselling service for anyone working in Australian music or the creative industries, easily accessed by calling 1800 959 500.
You don’t have to be in a crisis to call the Helpline. Sometimes you just need to talk it out.
Remember: if you or someone you care about is in crisis or at immediate risk, dial 000.
About the helpline
The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is delivered in partnership with AccessEAP, a leading profit for purpose Employee Assistance Program provider with over 30 years experience in mental health and workplace wellbeing.
It’s staffed by experienced counsellors that can help with a range of issues, from mental health and wellbeing to career concerns, financial management and conflict resolution. The Helpline offers 12 free counselling sessions per person and appointments can generally be made to suit your needs.
The Wellbeing Helpline is also available to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) who do not have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The Helpline does not replace an organisational EAP or ongoing professional clinical support.
Your wellbeing is our priority. No matter how big or small the issue you’re dealing with is, don’t hesitate to call.
How does it work?
Meet counsellor, Maria
Four dedicated support lines
LGBTQI+ Support Line (option 2) staffed by counsellors and professionals who have ACON Pride Inclusion training for LGBTIQ+ and gender diverse members of the industry.
First Nations Support Line (option 3) staffed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander counsellors or those with cultural awareness training who understand the challenges you may face.
Manager Support Hotline (option 4), a consultative service for artist managers, line managers and team leaders.
Safety at Work Support Line (option 5) providing counselling support in relation to sexual harassment and any form of sexual abuse.
Talking to a counsellor
Chatting to a counsellor from the Wellbeing Helpline is an opportunity to connect with a compassionate support person who understands the unique challenges associated with working in music.
If it’s just one session to access advice, recommendations and simply take advantage of a kind, listening ear or a number of sessions to work on an ongoing issue or challenge, the Helpline can assist you.
It can take some time to develop a relationship with the person you’re talking to, especially if this is the first time you have engaged with a counsellor. Remember, when it comes to support (like our taste in music) not everything will be right for everyone.
It can take some time to develop a relationship with the person you’re talking to, especially if this is the first time you have engaged with a counsellor. Remember, when it comes to support (like our taste in music) not everything will be right for everyone.
The right person is out there, and if you stick with it, you’ll find the therapeutic relationship to be humanising, illuminating and beneficial.
Calling from overseas
There are a few ways of accessing support if you are currently away from home:
Email [email protected] and specify the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, you will get a call back the next business day.
If you would like on the spot support, you can call +61 (02) 8247 9111. This will go through to our Helpline partners Access EAP directly, you can then advise you are calling for the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline at this time.
You can also find a list of toll-free contacts in each region.
Helpline assets and resources
Email enquiries
Please note that this is not an urgent option. Your enquiry will be responded to within the following business day of it being sent.
Enquiries from the Wellbeing Helpline page
Frequently asked questions
How do I contact the Wellbeing Helpline?
The Wellbeing Helpline is accessible for free by calling 1800 959 500 within Australia. You can also seek counselling via email from anywhere in the world. Please note that unless it’s an emergency, appointment with counsellors will be scheduled for between 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday. Appointments can be by phone or video conference.
Can I use the Helpline while overseas?
Yes, there are a few ways of accessing support if you are currently away from home.
Email [email protected] and specify the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline, you will get a call back the next business day.
If you would like on the spot support, you can call +61 (02) 8247 9111.
This will go through to our Helpline partners Access EAP directly, you can then advise you are calling for the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline at this time.
You can also find a list of toll-free contacts in each region.
Who is the Wellbeing Helpline for?
The Wellbeing Helpline is available to anyone who works in the Australian creative industries, including performing arts, music, film and television, and visual arts. You do not have to be currently working to call the Helpline.
Can I use the Helpline as an SME?
The Wellbeing Helpline is also available to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) who do not have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The Helpline does not replace an organisational EAP or ongoing professional clinical support.
Who staffs the Wellbeing Helpline?
The Wellbeing Helpline is staffed by experienced counsellors from AccessEAP. They are predominantly psychologists, with some specialist social workers and counsellors. All hold full registration and membership with the appropriate accreditation bodies in Australia.
If you would like to speak to a counsellor of a specific gender/background or if you don’t connect with the first counsellor you speak with, please let the team know and we’ll do our best to accomodate your request.
Will the counsellors understand my job and the challenges faced by performing arts workers?
Support Act and our colleagues at the Arts Wellbeing Collective work closely with the counsellors to ensure they have an understanding of the challenges faced by music and performing arts workers, and many of the counsellors have direct experience working in the industry. However, you may still need to explain some aspects of your job. We appreciate your patience if the counsellors are not across every aspect of your work environment.
Does the Helpline offer financial counselling?
Yes, simply request to make an appointment with a financial counsellor. There’s no cap and you can utilise as many of your 12 sessions against the service as you like.
Can I call about a non-work issue?
Yes. You can call for support, counselling or coaching on any aspect of your mental health and wellbeing. There is diverse experience among the counsellors and specialist support is available for people from:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- LGBTQI+ communities
And for people experiencing
- Harm from gambling, alcohol and other drugs
- Financial and legal issues
- Relationship issues
- Family violence
- Sexual harassment
How do I contact the Wellbeing Helpline if I am deaf, hearing or speech impaired?
If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you. Find out more here or use the numbers below:
Voice Relay number
1300 555 727 (and then add 1800 959 500)
TTY number
133 677 (and then add 1800 959 500)
SMS relay number
0423 677 767 (and then add 1800 959 500)
You can also submit an online booking at https://supportact.org.au/individual-support/wellbeing-helpline/ and request an Auslan or Deaf / Blind Tactile interpreter or request to connect with a counsellor who signs. We will respond as soon as we can during business hours.
How many times can I call the Wellbeing Helpline?
The Wellbeing Helpline is designed for short-term support. Many people report feeling relieved and ‘helped’ after just one conversation! If you need ongoing support, your counsellor will assist you with this.
The Helpline offers up to 12 free counselling sessions per person.
What will I be asked when I call?
When you call, the intake worker will ask your details and make an appointment for a time that suits you.
Your counsellor will ask you some general questions in your first appointment, such as which part of the creative industries you work in and some other personal details for duty of care purposes. You do not need to disclose anything that you are uncomfortable sharing.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Absolute confidentiality is assured, and is in fact mandatory for all counsellors, except where required by law, such as duty of care. The counsellors are extremely aware of the importance of confidentiality, and sensitive to both legal and ethical confidentiality requirements.
Support Act receives reporting of pure statistical data that shows how many people accessed the Wellbeing Helpline, and high-level data about themes. No names or personal details are shared in this reporting.
I’m well known. Will the counsellors be a fan or want gossip?
The counsellors staffing the Wellbeing Helpline care about you as a person. There is no presumption or judgement on your role, background, status or experience – they care about the issues that you experience as a human.
Can I speak with someone face-to-face?
The Wellbeing Helpline is currently available via phone or video conference.
Can a Support Act social worker book an appointment for me?
Yes – If you would like a Support Act social worker to make an appointment on your behalf, they can, with consent. They can make the appointment for you directly or ask the Wellbeing Helpline to call the you instead.
Can I book a time for someone to call me?
Yes. You will be asked when you call whether you’d prefer to speak to someone then or make an appointment for a more suitable time.
If you’re a current Service User and would like a Support Act social worker to make an appointment on your behalf, they can, with consent.
I don’t think my problem is big enough?
No matter what it is – maybe you need advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of work, tips for post-show wind down, strategies for maximising time with family or anything else – big or small, if you feel you could benefit from a conversation with a qualified mental health professional, the Wellbeing Helpline is for you.
Your wellbeing is our priority. No matter how big or small the issue you’re dealing with is, don’t hesitate to call. You don’t have to be in a crisis to call the Helpline, sometimes you just need to talk it out.
I’m not sure professional support is what I need?
That’s ok – this is a great starting place! The counsellors can help point you in the right direction if the Wellbeing Helpline is not what you need right now.
I’ve tried accessing support before and it wasn’t very good. Should I try again?
Yes. Sometimes it takes a while for you to find a connection with a counsellor who ‘gets’ you and your experiences, preferences and style. That’s fine and totally normal – we strongly encourage you to keep reaching out until you find someone who feels like a good fit for you.
I have further questions
Please contact [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can.
